When Manuel Jose pokes fun at Ghazl Mahalla players, portraying them as if they were hit with the bird flu, and when he describes Enppi as a bunch of street players, then "arrogant" is the least we can say about the Portuguese manager of Ahli. Jose has only attributed Egypt's achievement in winning the African Cup of Nations to the efforts of Ahli players. I personally believe that Ahli players were one of the most important factors behind the triumph, but there is a big difference between Ahli and Jose. Ahli have always been an Egyptian, Arab and African powerhouse, with a much more glorious history than that of Jose's or even many Portuguese clubs. Ahli players shone in the African Cup supported by Egyptian pride, high spirits and determination; elements also enjoyed by all their other team-mates. Ahli players, under Egypt coach Hassan Shehata, were in brilliant form during the African Cup. Left back Mohamed Abdul-Wahab produced a very good and enthusiastic display, Mohamed Barakat was impressive in the right-back role against Ivory Coast, Abou-Treika reached his peak in the African Cup and goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari, who was deprived of Ahli's captaincy by Jose, was the hero of the tournament.
Do Jose's achievements actually entitle him to attack other people? People may think that I am trying to strip Jose of his achievements, absolutely not, Jose is a good coach who won many trophies and succeeded during his spell with Ahli despite his repeated mistakes. However, Ahli stars are the main reason behind the team's victories. Ahli have lost four points in just two matches due to the absence of many key players through injuries. Jose was to blame because he did not get the substitutes ready for this day, he only cares for the regular players and that was clearly shown when he strongly refused to offload any of his stars. I know that my words will anger many fans but I ask that they follow Jose's comments and his arrogant attitude and think: do Jose's achievements actually entitle him to attack other people? Enppi's polite coach, Taha Besri, was obliged to respond to Jose's scathing words, especially after the Portuguese coach kept hounding Enppi's technical staff whenever a strong tackle occurred, as if accusing them of playing a dirty game. I hope that Ahli officials could warn Jose not to repeat his arrogant and humourless remarks because one day he may find himself in a position where the joke would be on him.
